Leuchtturm1917 A5 Hardcover Review
Quick Verdict
A well-made notebook that handles most inks competently. Good for artists who want organised, portable sketchbooks with quality paper.
- Best for
- Ink drawing, journaling, fountain pen users, organised practice
- Price range
- Mid-range, typically around £15-20
- Key strength
- Numbered pages and index support organised sketchbook practice
- Main limitation
- Some ghosting with heavy ink application; not ideal for wet media
Overview
The Leuchtturm1917 A5 Hardcover has earned a strong reputation among writers and artists for its combination of quality construction and practical features. The German-made notebook uses 80gsm acid-free paper with numbered pages and a table of contents, appealing to those who value organisation in their creative practice.
For artists, the key question is how well the paper handles drawing media. The 80gsm weight sits at the lighter end of art paper but performs surprisingly well with fineliners, gel pens, and fountain pens. The smooth surface allows clean lines without excessive feathering.
Pros and Cons
- High-quality 80gsm paper handles most inks well
- Numbered pages and index for organisation
- Lay-flat binding makes drawing comfortable
- Wide range of cover colours available
- Some ghosting with heavy ink application
- Not ideal for wet media like watercolour
Paper Performance
The 80gsm paper handles fineliners from brands like Uni Pin and Sakura Pigma Micron without significant bleed-through. Lines remain crisp, and the smooth surface suits detailed work. Ghosting (where marks are visible from the other side) does occur, particularly with broader nibs or heavy ink application, but rarely affects work on the facing page.
Fountain pen users generally report good results with fine to medium nibs. Broader nibs and wetter inks may produce more ghosting, so testing your specific combination is advisable. The paper takes pencil well, though the smooth surface provides less tooth than dedicated drawing paper.
This notebook is not designed for wet media. Watercolour and heavy marker application will cause buckling and potential bleed-through. For mixed media work, consider heavier paper options.
Construction and Features
The hardcover binding is durable and protects the pages well during transport. The notebook lies reasonably flat when open, though the spine requires some breaking in. Thread binding ensures pages stay secure over time.
Practical features include numbered pages, a pre-printed table of contents, two ribbon markers, and a back pocket for loose items. An elastic closure keeps the notebook shut when not in use. These organisational features suit artists who maintain structured sketchbooks or want to reference specific pages easily.
Who It Suits
The Leuchtturm1917 A5 suits artists who primarily work with fineliners, gel pens, or fountain pens and value organisation in their practice. The numbered pages and index make it easy to maintain a structured sketchbook that you can reference later.
It works well for daily drawing practice, urban sketching, and journaling that combines writing with illustration. The portable A5 size fits in most bags, making it practical for working on location.
This notebook may not suit artists who work primarily in wet media, prefer heavier paper, or need surfaces with more texture. Those requiring maximum paper quality for finished work might prefer dedicated sketchbooks with thicker stock.
Alternatives to Consider
Strathmore
Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Pad
A reliable workhorse for dry media sketching. The cream-coloured paper has enough tooth to grab graphite and charcoal without being too rough, making it suitable for both quick sketches and more detailed drawings.
Budget-friendly, typically £8-15 depending on size
Check priceKhadi
Khadi Handmade Paper Pack
Handmade cotton rag paper from India with distinctive texture and deckle edges. The 100% cotton composition makes this paper exceptionally durable and receptive to wet media, with each sheet offering unique surface character.
Premium, typically £15-30 for packs
Check priceFrequently Asked Questions
Does the Leuchtturm1917 work with fountain pens?
Yes, the 80gsm paper handles most fountain pens well, particularly with finer nibs and drier inks. Broader nibs and wetter inks may show some ghosting on the reverse side. For heavy fountain pen use, test with your specific pen and ink combination.
What is the page count?
The standard A5 hardcover contains 251 numbered pages. This provides substantial space for extended projects or daily journaling while remaining portable enough for regular carry.
Are the pages perforated?
Leuchtturm1917 notebooks include a small number of perforated pages at the back for easy removal. The main pages are not perforated, keeping the notebook intact for archival purposes.
What page layouts are available?
The A5 hardcover is available in ruled, dotted, plain, and squared layouts. Dotted pages are popular among artists as they provide subtle guidance without interfering with drawings.
Final Thoughts
The Leuchtturm1917 A5 Hardcover delivers reliable quality for ink-based work. While not a specialist art notebook, its paper handles most drawing pens competently, and the organisational features add practical value. For artists seeking a well-made, portable notebook for daily practice, it remains a solid choice.